I am going to do my Senior Bowl game review today, hopefully.  Besides that, this is my first real mock draft of the year and I think it's more of an exploratory thing. 1)-Oakland Raiders-JaMarcus Russell-QB
I personally think that Calvin Johnson is a strong possibility but at the #1 pick, I am giving the Raiders Russell. He's a big-armed, semi-mobile QB who can take his lumps early and improve himself in the future. I wouldn't count out a trade-down but I suck at making trades.

2)-Detroit Lions-Brady Quinn-QB
I am seriously considering giving them Thomas as I believe Backus can be transitioned to the RT position. But I just can't stray away from Quinn, I know picking a QB early is cliche', but you know the whole sit for a year theory.

3)-Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Calvin Johnson-WR
I see a lot of mocks with the Bucs behind the Browns so I'll mix things up here. Joey Galloway is a good WR at his age but unfortunately, he's bound to lose a step in the future. Michael Clayton has been an enigma thus far and who knows how he'll turn out, two years removed from an 82-reception season.

4)-Cleveland Browns-Alan Branch-DT
I want to make this draft somewhat realistic and this is a slightly surprising move. But Ted Washington is aging heavily and a future NT needs to be found for the 3-4 defense to be run successfully. The LB'ers, especially Andra Davis and Kamerion Wimbley, have done a darn good job as has the secondary at times. I wouldn't dismiss Peterson or Thomas but I think this could be an excellent pick for Cleveland.

5)-Arizona Cardinals-Joe Thomas-OT
Ho-hum, the Cards running offense has been as weak as it is due to the ineffectiveness of the OL. Duece Lutui in the interior and Joe Thomas on the outside gives Russ Grimm plenty to work with in improving the offensive line.

6)-Washington Redskins-Jamaal Anderson-DE
This is quickly becoming a consensus pick for the 'Skins. Andre Carter is effective but I doubt Phillip Daniels is the answer at RE for much longer. Anderson has all the skills you want at DE and it's plausible to think that the Redskins can be in a very good situation on defense.

7)-Minnesota Vikings-Gaines Adams-DE
I hate following up positions like this but Adams is the most likely fit for the Vikings. There receivers have been putrid but this is a deep class and I would think picking Jarrett here would be a minute reach and I was considering Bowe. Udeze has been a disappointment and I found out (via Team Needs section) that he did not record a single-sack this season. In order to get pressure off of the aerial attack; they need a DE to put pressure on the QB--hence the pick.

8-Houston Texans-Adrian Peterson-RB
I believe Samkon Gado will be out of Houston by the end of training camp and I have trouble finding Ron Dayne to be the long-term answer. While Domanick Williams (will have to get used to that) is still in the mix, can he become more than a backup as of now? Wali Lundy has been adequate at times but Peterson is a talent you can't pass on. Sure there are other needs but this is the most likely pick.

9)-Miami Dolphins-Adam Carriker-DE
I am stumped beyond belief here and this pick is pending on if Jason Taylor retires or not. I don't think any LB is worth this pick in this area but I need some help here.

10)-Atlanta Falcons-Reggie Nelson-FS
I think that Landry is the only other positional player who can go here as of now. The Falcons are incredibly weak at FS as Crocker has been a disappointment and may be a backup soon. They need someone nex to Milloy.

11)-San Francisco 49ers-Leon Hall-CB
Shawntae Spencer showed promise this season as a strong CB in the NFL and Walt Harris had a Pro Bowl season. But Harris is aging and behind them there really isn't anything at all so youth is needed. In Hall they got a good coverage CB who can line up next to Spencer in the near-future. I wouldn't discount Landry or Bowe.

12)-Buffalo Bills-Dwayne Bowe-WR
I was this close to picking Timmons or Willis here but decided that they would both be considered reaches. I still think Bowe can rise even more if he has a stellar combine. Lee Evans has been great in Buffalo and broke out in the second-half of the season but Peerless Price is simply not an adequate #2. In fact Bowe can be a #1 for this team as JP Losman continues to grow into a solid QB. If they address their OL, this is my sleeper pick for next season.

13)-St. Louis Rams-Amobi Okoye-DT
This is an interesting scenario for the Rams. They could address their porous secondary and grab Landry or their LB situation and grab Timmons/Willis. But this is the best pick for them right here. There run-defense is horrible and if it wasn't for the Colts, they would be the worst in the league. Okoye won't simply solve that problem but he's a major piece into that. If he can find himself around 295 around the season, then they should be good.

14)-Carolina Panthers-LaRon Landry-S
Mike Minter will be 32 years old when the next season begins and I think Landry would be a major upgrade over Shaun Williams. In Landry they get a youthful presence in the secondary with a high level of physicality.

15)-Pittsburgh Steelers-Levi Brown-OT
Max Starks, a free agent this offseason, was not the answer at RT. While Okobi may be the one who takes over for Hartings at C, there needs to be a rightside tackle to keep Roethlisberger on his feet as opposed to his back. Brown appears to be that guy for now.

16)-Green Bay Packers-Marshawn Lynch-RB
Michael Griffin would be a logical selection here as Marquand Manuel shouldn't be starting in the NFL anymore but Lynch is the clear-cut choice. While Green did have a decent season this year, he's on the wrongside of 30 and I'll be shocked if he's brought back in 2008. Vernand Morency is a good change-of-pace back and Herron has some potential but not enough to become a starter in the NFL.

17)-Jacksonville Jaguars-Michael Griffin-S
Donovin Darius has been injury-plagued the past two seasons and Deon Grant isn't a long-term option at FS. In Griffin the Jaguars get a physical and solid all-around safety who can help vastly improve the secondary. I wouldn't count out Revis, Moss, or a trade-down here.

18-Cincinnati Bengals-Jarvis Moss-DE/OLB
With Justin Smith likely on the outs and the future of David Pollack in doubt, this appears to be a logical pick for Cincy here. In Moss, the Bengals get a 'tweener who can make a huge presence against the pass for the Bengals and take pressure off of the secondary.

19)-Tennessee Titans-Dwayne Jarrett-WR
Drew Bennett is a free agent and the rest of the group is not too promising for the future. Jarrett may not be that fast but VY could use all the weapons he could get at his disposal and Jarrett is the best choice.

20)-New York Giants-Lawrence Timmons-LB
While Pierce is a solid LB'er, Aarington has injury concerns and Emmons is not a long-term answer. While Gerris Wilkinson may have a future starting, I see Timmons as a much better prospect who may end up going higher.

21)-Denver Broncos-Charles Johnson-DE
While he's not the tallest DE out there, Charles Johnson can quickly become an upgrade over Courtney Brown in Denver. Johnson has good agility which should help him out on the next level.

22)-Dallas Cowboys-DeMarcus "Tank" Tyler-DT
While their DL isn't anywhere close to being one of the worst in the NFL, DeMarcus Tyler provides a huge upgrade. With so much being depended on the Linebackers, the addition of Tyler essentially gives the Cowboys a big player to stuff up the middle in run downs.

23)-Kansas City Chiefs-Ted Ginn Jr.-WR
While he does lack the ability to run routes and his hands are in question, Ted Ginn is still an interesting prospect. With his great speed, Ginn Jr. can essentially become a decoy this year much like Reggie Bush, and then work his way into the NFL on a starting role. The offense does not have much youth and the addition of Ginn can change that.

24)-New England Patriots (f/SEA)-Robert Meachem-WR
As evident by the major drop from Reche' Caldwell in the AFC Championship game against the Indianapolis Colts, the Patriots could use a #1 WR. In Meachem, the Patriots get a fast yet rangy WR that can become an elite player at the next level with Tom Brady at the helm. Meachem instantly gives the Patriots a great WR tandem in the future with Chad Jackson in the fray as well.

25)-New York Jets-Darrelle Revis-CB
This could be an interesting steal for the New York Jets. Revis is a solid coverage CB and while Andre Dyson isn't too bad, Justin Miller should probably stick to fielding kickoffs and being a nickleback. They could consider Spencer and Moses here.

26)-Philadelphia Eagles-Eric Weddle-FS
While Brian Dawkins is still playing at a Pro-Bowl level, I think it's safe to assume that Sean Considine is nothing more than a situational player. In Weddle, the Eagles get a good safety who should excel due to his athleticism.

27)-New Orleans Saints-Jon Beason-LB
Jon Beason will probably continue the Miami Hurricane draft tradition of always having a first-round pick but the Saints need this. CB is a great need, yes, but while the LB'ers did fine, they could use an upgrade with Beason.

28-New England Patriots-Patrick Willis-LB
With the grumblings of a possible retirement in the future by Tedy Bruschi, the Patriots get his heir apparent in Patrick Willis from Ole Miss. Willis' stock has been on a roller-coaster ride all season long and don't expect that to stop right now. Willis has the range and physicality to be a special LB in the league.

29)-Baltimore Ravens-Tony Ugoh-OT
Once Ogden retires, they have found a solid backup in Terry. With Ugoh, he can instantly jump in and replace either Ogden or Pashos should his production slip. Ugoh seems to be the logical pick here.

30)-San Diego Chargers-Sidney Rice-WR
While Keenan McCardell finally starts to see Father Time catch him ever so slowly, Eric Parker is just adequate and nothing less or more, and Vincent Jackson has a solid future; they need more depth and talent at the WR position. In Sidney Rice they get a good WR who has decent speed but solid hands and athleticism. Could be a minor steal here.

31)-Chicago Bears-Arron Sears-OT
While Tait has been solid, Miller is aging and the fact is that youth and talent should be brought in to help keep up the Bears level of dominance in the NFC. Sears is a punishing tackle who has the ability to play guard inside as well.

32)-Indianapolis Colts-Paul Posluszny-LB
I personally doubt that Posluszny could fit in the Cover-Two as a SAM, but really who else would fit here is the pressing question. Posluszny is a hard-working, blue-collar LB who like Rob Morris; is good against the run but is also not too shabby in coverage. Did you expect me to have the Bears at 32?

33)-Oakland Raiders-Justin Blalock-OT/OG
34)-Detroit Lions-Victor Abiamiri-DE
35)-Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Chris Houston-CB
36)-Cleveland Browns-Marcus McCauley-CB
37)-Arizona Cardinals-Anthony Spencer-LB
38-New York Jets-Brian Leonard-RB/FB
39)-Minnesota Vikings-Josh Beekman-OG
40)-Houston Texans-Aaron Rouse-S
41)-Miami Dolphins-Daymeion Hughes-CB
42)-Atlanta Falcons-Quentin Moses-LB (this pick will probably change but I'm doing this Mock fast).
43)-San Francisco 49ers-Craig Davis-WR
44)-Buffalo Bills-Rufus Alexander-LB
45)-St. Louis Rams-Aaron Ross-CB
46)-Carolina Panthers-Zach Miller-TE
47)-Pittsburgh Steelers-Paul Williams-WR
48-Green Bay Packers-Brandon Meriweather-S
49)-Jacksonville Jaguars-Stewart Bradley-LB
50)-Cincinnati Bengals-David Irons-CB
51)-Tennessee Titans-LaMar Woodley-LB
52)-New York Giants-Joe Staley-OT
53)-Denver Broncos-Josh Wilson-CB
54)-Dallas Cowboys-Michael Johnson-S
55)-Kansas City Chiefs-Earl Everett-LB
56)-Seattle Seahawks-Ryan Kalil-OC They move Spencer to OG and thus draft Kalil 
57)-New York Jets-Ben Grubbs-OG
58-Philadelphia Eagles-Fred Bennett-CB
59)-New Orleans Saints-Quinn Pitcock-DT (another pick that will probably be changed in the future)
60)-New England Patriots-John Wendling-S
61)-Baltimore Ravens-Buster Davis-LB
62)-San Diego Chargers-Tony Taylor-LB
63)-Chicago Bears-Marshal Yanda-OG
64)-Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Justin Durant-LB

We've heard the same ole' story plenty of times before, in fact most infamously from former NBA player, Charles Barkley.  Barkley said "I'm not a role model" and the media went into a firestorm.  While Barkley has humbled down since his playing days ended, it appears all athletes are following his lead. 

Throughout the NFL, NBA, MLB and even the obscure sports such as swimming; we always hear of the latest DUI, DWI, taser incident or the possession of drugs that's currently the biggest issue in sports, after HGH. 

The latest incident is not an arrest but more of a statement.  Allen Iverson, point guard and All-Star for the Philadelphia 76ers, recently skipped a "mandatory" team function and will be "fined accordingly", from head coach Maurice Cheeks mouth.  Iverson has been through these incidents, including a 2001 arrest from gun charges and the famous "we talkin' 'bout practice!" press conference. Now, of course, we do not know the full story surronding this so we should be waiting to hear Iverson's statement but by judging the reaction of Cheeks, I'm not willing to bet this was from oral surgery complications.

What have we witnessed just these last few months for instance?  The "betting ring" that involved former NHL player Rick Tocchet as well as Wayne Gretzky's wife, Janet Jones (that was in my county).  The DUI arrest and season-long suspension of former Seattle Seahawks and Minnesota Vikings WR, Koren Robinson.  How about even taking this a step deeper and looking at the arrest of pitcher Ugueth Urbina, in Venezuela, for get this; allegedly slicing someone with a knife and pouring gasoline on him!  That's beyond barbaric, that's attempted murder!

Now, in my humble opinion, we can NOT expect all athletes to be great role models, or even sufficient ones at best.  They are not above the law, and it's at least satisfying to see them pay the consequences as well (some of the time) like the regular folk.  But, even if they are drunk or sober, should we at least expect some decent conduct in their spare time.  These guys are doing what some of us hope or used to hope, happen to us.  That is to get the opportunity to make a great salary doing something we love for a portion of the year!  But then we see the actions of the college levels that include the brawl between Miami and Florida International as well as Dartmouth and Holy Cross.  Also the many sagas of Marcus Vick and the infamous Duke LAX scandal (though I'm not certain on anything there). 

The point is, they do feel like they are either above the law or are average folk and should be treated as such when they do crimes such as this.  But is it wrong to expect some good out of today's world?  Why can't there be more athletes like Warrick Dunn, LaDainian Tomlinson, D-Wade, David Dellucci or Mike Richards? 

But I would guess that some of them have the same thought process:

"I'm Not a Role Model".

Comments Appreciated.

Guess what, ladies and gentleman?  I'm going to start the earliest draft article in preparation for the 2007 NFL Draft!  I had some free time on my hands so I decided to take a closer look at measureables.

The best QB prospect at this very minute is Brady Quinn of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.  Why, you may ask is Quinn the best pro prospect since Carson Palmer?  Could it be his above-average arm strength?  How about his decent mobility or his ND pedigree?  Maybe, but what's really driving the scouts crazy is Quinn's 6'4, 227 lb. stature.  While you will find taller QBs, this is something that is always looked at.  The typical NFL OL probably stands around 6'4+ in some cases which is pretty much, the most important group of 300+ pound behemoths in America. 

Now what about the QB Quinn is most likely to finish behind in the Heisman Trophy race?  Troy Smith of Ohio State may just be the one who disproves the "prototypical size" theory.  I for one, am buying his pro stock at the very minute of a late 1st round to mid-2nd round draft slot.  Before the Ohio State alumnis and fans start jumping on me, let me tell you this.  He is "listed" as 6'1, 215 but grumblings from the draft world indicate him possibly listing as low as 5'11.  That feature may alone just cost him a first-round pick but there are plenty of other reasons why we may not see Mr. Smith land that high.  Smith's main weakness, after his size, is him throwing the deep ball into coverage.  It's been seen this year that Ted Ginn Jr. is one of the most electrifying players in college football as of right now.  But there have been times that Ginn has had to SLOW down to catch one of Smith's attempted deep-balls.  His accuracy is possibly better than Quinn right now from short range but as you get deeper, the edge goes to Quinn.  Also, there is some talk of him having greater talent around him than most of the other QBs.  We'll let time tell on this one.

Overall, I'm also on the Brady Quinn bandwagon in terms of his NFL potential.  Now this year, Smith is by far the better collegiate player but let's see him beat USC and he'll get some good hype.  My earlybird sleeper?  Kevin Kolb out of Houston in the Conference-USA divison.

When I woke up this morning, I heard that Terrell Owens was taken to the hospital following an "adverse" reaction to pain medications he has taken.  It was 6:15 in the morning but I brushed it off as something minor and actually a small dose of karma.  I was thinking about the beatdown I was going to give my fantasy football opponent this week as both Shaun Alexander and possibly Owens would be out.  But then, I heard the rumors.

In a Philadelphia suburb, Owens is hated more than Osama bin Laden.  Basically he's referred to as "him" but with the move to the Cowboys, he's even more of an enemy as ever.  Then I heard about that the reaction may have been a failed attempt at suicide.  I don't like Owens as what he's perceived to be but this was something to be taken seriously.  Of course there were smirks of joy from Eagles fans but this actually made me feel rather uncomfortable for the rest of my day. 

Suicide happens all of the time and then people went on the rant as "Oh, how depressing his life must be, making all of that money and living in great mansions".  But you really have to wonder, how much abuse can one person take?  Owens is still a human being and while he's built like Hercules, he does indeed have emotions other than deserting his teammates.  I would say that a vast majority of even the most casual of NFL viewers consider him a jerk, a cancer, a loser and a horrible person.  Then you have to add the constant media speculation of a possible rift between Owens and Bill Parcells with every move he makes documented by the Cowboys front office.  Throw in the latest injury and the constant rehabilitation, you would have to wonder if we are witnessing a self-implosion? 

I will admit that now I have taken a huge sigh of relief seeing Owens doing some "light" practice work and talking to the media.  He did not stay long in the hospital long enough to be considered suicidal but there are other questions that remain unanswered.

Yes, I am not an Owens supporter or lobbyist.  But when you look at it all, he's just a human.